Buy Ivermectin (Stromectol) — Online Prescription
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved antiparasitic tablet, sold as brand-name Stromectol and as a low-cost generic. This page covers what it treats, dosing by body weight in kg and lb, how fast it works, side effects, and what the evidence says about COVID-19 and cancer. It also covers where you can buy it without a prescription and what it costs.
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by Christine Manzi, RPh — NPI 1275223448 · Last updated 2026-10-01
| Active ingredient | Ivermectin |
|---|---|
| Dosage form | Tablet — 3 mg (Stromectol and generics); 6 mg generic tablets also exist |
| Administration route | Oral |
Class: Antiparasitic [EPC]
Indications: INDICATIONS AND USAGE STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of the following infections: Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract . STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of intestinal (i.e., nondisseminated) strongyloidiasis due to the nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis . This indication is based on clinical studies of both comparative and open-label designs, in which 64-100% of infected patients were cured following a single 200-mcg/kg dose of ivermectin. (See CLINICAL PHARMACO…
Contraindications: CONTRAINDICATIONS STROMECTOL is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product.
openFDA label data — Updated 2026-10-01Ivermectin (brand name Stromectol) is a prescription antiparasitic tablet. It is FDA-approved for strongyloidiasis (threadworm) and river blindness, and is widely used off-label for scabies. Most infections need a single dose based on body weight, about 200 mcg/kg, which works out to 5 × 3 mg tablets for a 70 kg (154 lb) adult. Federal law requires a prescription. A few states, including Texas and Tennessee, now allow pharmacies to sell it without one, but Connecticut does not. Merck is discontinuing brand Stromectol on October 31, 2026. Generic ivermectin stays available and costs much less. Large trials found no benefit for COVID-19.
What ivermectin is used for (and what it isn't)
Ivermectin has been used in people since the late 1980s. Its discovery earned a share of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine because mass treatment campaigns cut river blindness across Africa and Latin America. In the US, oral ivermectin is a niche but important prescription. Here is where it stands for each use people search for:
| Use | Status | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|---|
| Strongyloidiasis (intestinal threadworm) | FDA-approved (oral) | One 200 mcg/kg dose cured 64–100% of patients in FDA studies, better than a 3-day course of albendazole |
| Onchocerciasis (river blindness) | FDA-approved (oral) | One 150 mcg/kg dose cut skin microfilariae by 99.5% at 3 months. It does not kill adult worms, so repeat doses are needed. |
| Scabies, including crusted scabies | Off-label (oral), in CDC guidance | Similar efficacy to permethrin cream for classic scabies. Two doses, 7–14 days apart. |
| Head lice | FDA-approved lotion (Sklice), over the counter | A one-time 10-minute application. Oral tablets are sometimes used off-label for resistant cases. |
| Rosacea | FDA-approved cream (Soolantra 1%), prescription | Treats the inflammatory bumps of rosacea |
| COVID-19 | Not approved | Large randomized trials found no meaningful benefit (details below) |
| Cancer | Not approved | Laboratory studies only. No human trial has shown benefit. |
Source: Stromectol FDA prescribing information, Clinical Studies. In US studies against thiabendazole, single-dose ivermectin cured 64–100%, about the same as a 3-day thiabendazole course, with fewer side effects.
How ivermectin works
That selectivity is also why overdoses are dangerous. At very high exposures, such as concentrated veterinary products, ivermectin can reach the brain and cause confusion, seizures and coma.
Ivermectin dosage chart by weight
Oral ivermectin is dosed by body weight, almost always as a single dose. These are the FDA label's tablet counts for 3 mg tablets. Your prescriber may round differently or use 6 mg tablets.
Strongyloidiasis (threadworm)
- 15–24 kg (33–53 lb)
- 1 tablet (3 mg)
- 25–35 kg (55–77 lb)
- 2 tablets (6 mg)
- 36–50 kg (79–110 lb)
- 3 tablets (9 mg)
- 51–65 kg (112–143 lb)
- 4 tablets (12 mg)
- 66–79 kg (146–174 lb)
- 5 tablets (15 mg)
- 80 kg+ (176 lb+)
- 200 mcg/kg, e.g. 18 mg (6 tablets) at 90 kg
Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
- 15–25 kg (33–55 lb)
- 1 tablet (3 mg)
- 26–44 kg (57–97 lb)
- 2 tablets (6 mg)
- 45–64 kg (99–141 lb)
- 3 tablets (9 mg)
- 65–84 kg (143–185 lb)
- 4 tablets (12 mg)
- 85 kg+ (187 lb+)
- 150 mcg/kg
- Repeat
- Every 3–12 months, because adult worms survive
Scabies (off-label): the CDC lists 200 mcg/kg per dose, two doses taken 7 to 14 days apart. That's the same tablet count as the threadworm chart, taken twice. Crusted (Norwegian) scabies needs 3, 5 or 7 doses over up to a month, depending on severity, usually alongside a topical treatment.
Weight-based charts are how prescribers choose a dose, not a substitute for a diagnosis. Strongyloidiasis needs follow-up stool testing, river blindness needs screening for Loa loa co-infection, and scabies needs the right diagnosis and household treatment. Safety has not been established in children under 15 kg (33 lb) or in pregnancy.
How to take it and how fast it works
- Take the whole dose at onceSwallow all of your prescribed tablets together with a glass of water. Most people need only one dose (two for scabies).
- Empty stomach, unless told otherwiseThe FDA label says to take it on an empty stomach. A high-fat meal raises absorption about 2.5 times. For scabies, CDC-cited experts recommend taking it with a meal for that reason. Follow the instruction on your prescription label.
- Repeat only as prescribedScabies: second dose 7–14 days later. Strongyloidiasis: usually no second dose, but stool tests confirm the cure. River blindness: repeat every 3–12 months.
- Treat contacts for scabiesHousehold members and close contacts are usually treated at the same time, and bedding and clothing are washed hot or sealed in a bag for 3 days.
Peak blood level after a dose (FDA label)
Half-life. Parasites are paralyzed and killed mostly within the first day or two.
Drug and metabolites cleared, almost entirely in the stool
Scabies itch fades as the skin heals. Itching that lingers for a few weeks is common and doesn't by itself mean the treatment failed.
Strongyloidiasis follow-up: the label recommends at least three stool exams, because larvae reappeared up to 106 days after treatment in one study
Side effects
For intestinal worm infections, side effects are uncommon and usually mild. People treated for river blindness react more, mostly because the immune system responds to dying parasites rather than to the drug itself.
Source: Stromectol FDA prescribing information, Adverse Reactions. Bars are scaled to 3%. Lab tests showed raised liver enzymes in 2% and a lower white-cell count in 3%.
Expect and wait
- Mild dizziness or tiredness on the day of the dose
- Nausea, loose stools or stomach upset
- Itching that persists for a while after scabies treatment
Mazzotti reaction
- Itching, rash, fever, swollen or tender lymph nodes and joint pain in the first 4 days
- Dizziness on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Usually managed with fluids, rest and antihistamines. Call your prescriber.
Call 911 or go to the ER
- Confusion, severe drowsiness, trouble walking, seizures
- Blistering or peeling rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine (liver injury)
- Worsening asthma or trouble breathing
Warnings, interactions and who should avoid it
- Allergy to ivermectin or any tablet ingredient (the only formal contraindication)
- Pregnancy. The label says not to use it during pregnancy because safety hasn't been established.
- Children under 15 kg (33 lb), for whom safety and effectiveness haven't been established
- Time in West or Central Africa with possible Loa loa infection. Heavy Loa loa infection can lead to a rare but serious brain reaction (encephalopathy), so you need testing before treatment.
- Veterinary ivermectin (paste, pour-on, injectable or drench) in any amount. It is not interchangeable with human tablets.
| Drug or situation | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Warfarin | Rare reports of a raised INR (higher bleeding risk). Your INR may need checking after the dose. |
| Drugs and supplements that affect CYP3A4 | Ivermectin is cleared mainly by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. Give the pharmacist your full list so we can screen it. |
| Breastfeeding | Passes into breast milk in low amounts. Treat only if the benefit outweighs the risk. |
| Weakened immune system (including HIV) | Strongyloidiasis may need repeated doses every 2 weeks, and sometimes monthly suppressive therapy |
| Older adults | No specific dose change, but use caution with liver, kidney or heart disease |
COVID-19, cancer and "parasite cleanses": the evidence
Ivermectin is one of the most-searched drugs in the US, mostly for uses it isn't approved for. Here is what the best evidence says:
COVID-19
- TOGETHER (NEJM 2022)
- No reduction in hospitalization vs. placebo
- ACTIV-6 (NIH-funded)
- No faster recovery, tested at 400 mcg/kg × 3 days and again at 600 mcg/kg × 6 days
- PRINCIPLE (UK, 2024)
- No meaningful improvement in recovery, hospital admissions or longer-term outcomes
- Bottom line
- Not FDA-approved for COVID-19. The trial data don't show it works.
Cancer
- What exists
- Cell and animal studies showing anti-tumor effects, often at concentrations higher than safe human doses reach
- 2026 developments
- The NCI announced a preclinical study, and a small trial with immunotherapy was planned at the University of Florida
- Human evidence
- No randomized trial has shown ivermectin treats any cancer
- Bottom line
- Don't delay or replace proven treatment. Ask your oncologist about trials.
"Parasite cleanses" and detox protocols: there is no evidence that healthy people carry hidden parasites that a routine ivermectin "cleanse" removes, and no study supports repeated or long-term dosing for general wellness. If you think you have a parasitic infection, testing (often a stool exam or a blood test for Strongyloides antibodies) shows what you have and which drug actually treats it. Many common worms, like pinworm, are treated with other medicines, and some gut parasites, such as Giardia, need a different drug class entirely (for example metronidazole).
Is ivermectin over the counter? State-by-state
Federally, oral ivermectin is prescription-only. Starting with Tennessee, some states have passed their own laws letting pharmacies provide it without a patient-specific prescription. The details differ a lot from state to state:
| State | What the law allows | Enacted |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Pharmacist dispensing to adults under a standing physician protocol, after a risk screening (SB 2188) | 2022 (rules finalized 2024) |
| Arkansas | Sale "without a prescription or consultation with a health care professional" (SB 189) | 2025 |
| Idaho | Sale without a prescription or consultation (SB 1211) | 2025 |
| Louisiana | Pharmacist dispensing to adults 18+ under a state Department of Health standing order (SB 19, Act 464) | 2025 |
| Texas | Behind-the-counter sale on request at the pharmacy (HB 25), in effect since December 2025 | 2025 |
| Connecticut | No such law. A prescription is required. | — |
Bills also moved in several other states in 2026, including Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina, West Virginia and Utah. Check your own state's current law, because this list is changing quickly. Even where it's legal, many pharmacies don't stock ivermectin or require a screening first, and insurance won't pay for non-prescription sales.
You need a prescription from a doctor, urgent care, or a licensed telehealth provider. The prescriber sends it to us electronically, and we fill it, usually with generic ivermectin. Search terms like "ivermectin near me" and "ivermectin CVS or Walgreens" all come down to the same thing: any US pharmacy can fill a valid prescription, but stock varies, so call ahead.
Stromectol vs. generic ivermectin
Stromectol (Merck)
- Strength
- 3 mg tablet, white, round, coded "MSD 32"
- Status
- Merck reported a discontinuation date of October 31, 2026 to the FDA. Remaining stock may be sold until it runs out.
- Pharmacy cost
- About $4.46 per tablet at wholesale (CMS NADAC, late-2025 survey)
Ivermectin tablets
- Strengths
- 3 mg (Edenbridge, Dr. Reddy's, Zydus, Epic, Ajanta, Advagen and others) and 6 mg (Advagen)
- Equivalence
- Same active ingredient and dose, approved through the FDA generic pathway
- Pharmacy cost
- See the live CMS NADAC reference below. It's well under half the brand's cost per tablet.
Will my prescription still work after Stromectol is gone? Yes. A prescription for "Stromectol 3 mg" can be filled with generic ivermectin 3 mg in Connecticut unless your prescriber specifically requires the brand. If you have a 12 mg tablet in mind, that's a foreign product. No 12 mg tablet is FDA-approved, and a US prescription for a larger dose uses multiple 3 mg or 6 mg tablets.
Buy ivermectin: prescription, price and pickup
- Bring or send a prescription. Your prescriber can send it to Arrow Pharmacy electronically, or you can transfer an existing prescription to us by phone. Refills and transfers can also be requested online.
- Generic keeps the cost down. A typical adult single dose is only 4–6 tablets, so even a cash price is usually modest. See the price table below, and ask us for a quote on your exact tablet count.
- Insurance coverage varies. Most plans cover ivermectin for an approved or guideline-supported use, such as strongyloidiasis or scabies. Some plans limit quantities or require prior authorization for off-label uses.
- Free next-day delivery across the greater Hartford area on every prescription we fill. See how delivery works.
- Avoid "no prescription" websites. Sites that ship ivermectin to Connecticut without a prescription, or that sell 12 mg tablets or veterinary products for people, are outside the FDA-regulated supply chain. You can't verify what's in them.
Call (860) 522-9289 to check stock, get a cash quote, or transfer a prescription. Our pharmacists will confirm your dose against your weight, explain whether to take it with or without food for your infection, and check it against your other medicines, including warfarin.
No active shortage reported — Shortage records exist for this drug historically, but none are currently marked active.
FDA openFDA — Updated 2026-10-02National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC): $1.994 per tablet (IVERMECTIN 3 MG TABLET). This is the average price pharmacies pay wholesalers — not your out-of-pocket cost — published by CMS for pricing transparency.
CMS NADAC — Updated 2026-10-02Ivermectin (Stromectol) Prices in the USA
| Dosage | Brand-name avg. price | Generic avg. price |
|---|---|---|
| Single dose for a 70 kg (154 lb) adult — 5 × 3 mg tablets | $40–90 (Stromectol) | $12–45 |
| Scabies course, 70 kg adult — 2 doses, 10 × 3 mg tablets | $80–180 (Stromectol) | $20–90 |
| 3 mg tablets, pack of 20 | $150–350 (Stromectol) | $30–175 |
Frequently asked questions
What is ivermectin used for in humans?
Oral ivermectin tablets are FDA-approved for two parasitic worm infections: intestinal strongyloidiasis (threadworm) and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Doctors also commonly prescribe it off-label for scabies, especially crusted or widespread scabies, and for some other worm infections such as cutaneous larva migrans. Ivermectin also comes as an over-the-counter lotion for head lice (Sklice) and a prescription cream for rosacea (Soolantra). It is not approved for viral infections, including COVID-19, or for cancer.
What is the ivermectin dosage for humans by weight?
For strongyloidiasis the FDA label dose is about 200 mcg per kg of body weight, taken once: 1 tablet (3 mg) for 15–24 kg (33–53 lb), 2 tablets for 25–35 kg (55–77 lb), 3 for 36–50 kg (79–110 lb), 4 for 51–65 kg (112–143 lb), 5 for 66–79 kg (146–174 lb), and 200 mcg/kg above 80 kg (176 lb). River blindness uses a lower dose, about 150 mcg/kg. For scabies, the CDC lists 200 mcg/kg taken twice, 7 to 14 days apart. Your prescriber sets the exact dose; safety under 15 kg (33 lb) has not been established.
Can I buy ivermectin over the counter?
Under federal law, oral ivermectin is prescription-only. A handful of states have passed their own laws letting pharmacies provide it without a prescription. As of October 2026 that includes at least Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas, and several more states debated bills in 2026. Connecticut is not one of them, so you need a prescription to buy ivermectin tablets at Arrow Pharmacy. The only ivermectin product sold over the counter nationwide is Sklice lotion for head lice.
Is Stromectol being discontinued?
Yes. Merck reported to the FDA on September 29, 2026 that brand-name Stromectol 3 mg tablets will be discontinued on October 31, 2026. Generic ivermectin is not affected: several FDA-approved manufacturers make 3 mg tablets (including Edenbridge, Dr. Reddy's, Zydus, Epic, Ajanta and Advagen), and Advagen also makes a 6 mg tablet. A prescription written for Stromectol can be filled with generic ivermectin.
How long does it take for ivermectin to kill parasites?
Ivermectin reaches peak blood levels about 4 hours after a dose and has a half-life of about 18 hours. It paralyzes susceptible worms and mites, so most of the killing happens within the first day or two. Confirming a cure takes longer. For strongyloidiasis, the label calls for stool tests over the following 3 months, because larvae can reappear as late as 106 days after treatment. For scabies, itching often continues for a few weeks after successful treatment while the skin heals, which is not by itself a sign the treatment failed.
Should I take ivermectin with food or on an empty stomach?
The FDA label says to take Stromectol on an empty stomach with water. A high-fat meal raised absorption about 2.5-fold in a pharmacokinetic study. For scabies, the CDC notes that experts recommend taking it with a meal for exactly that reason. Follow your prescriber's instruction for your specific infection, and don't change it on your own.
Does ivermectin work for COVID-19?
Large randomized trials say no. TOGETHER (NEJM 2022), ACTIV-6 (tested at two doses) and the UK's PRINCIPLE trial all found that ivermectin did not meaningfully speed recovery or prevent hospitalization compared with placebo. Ivermectin is not FDA-approved for COVID-19, and the NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines concluded the trial data do not show it is effective.
Does ivermectin cure cancer?
There is no human evidence that it does. Some laboratory and animal studies show anti-tumor activity, and in 2026 the National Cancer Institute announced a preclinical (laboratory) study, with a small clinical trial with immunotherapy planned at the University of Florida. Lab results often need concentrations higher than safe human doses can reach. Don't replace or delay cancer treatment with ivermectin; if you are interested, ask your oncologist about clinical trials.
Is it safe to take horse or cattle ivermectin?
No. Veterinary pastes, pour-ons, drenches and injectables are far more concentrated than human tablets, contain inactive ingredients not tested in people, and are dosed for animals weighing hundreds of pounds. The Stromectol label lists rash, swelling, dizziness, vomiting, seizures and breathing problems after human exposure to veterinary ivermectin. If someone has swallowed a veterinary product, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
What are the most common side effects of ivermectin?
In the strongyloidiasis trials, side effects were uncommon: dizziness (2.8%), itching (2.8%), nausea (1.8%), diarrhea (1.8%), and fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation or sleepiness (about 1% each). People treated for river blindness have more frequent reactions, mostly itching, rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes, caused by the body reacting to dying microfilariae (the Mazzotti reaction). Rarely, ivermectin can cause confusion, severe drowsiness or seizures; get urgent care for any of these.
Can I drink alcohol with ivermectin?
The FDA label doesn't list an alcohol interaction. But dizziness and drowsiness are possible side effects, and alcohol can add to them, so it's sensible to avoid drinking on the day of your dose.
What drugs interact with ivermectin?
The label lists one specific interaction: rare reports of increased INR (bleeding risk) in people taking warfarin, so warfarin users may need an INR check. Ivermectin is broken down mainly by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, so give your pharmacist a full medication list, including supplements.
Is there a 12 mg ivermectin tablet?
Not in the US. FDA-approved ivermectin tablets come in 3 mg (Stromectol and several generics) and 6 mg (one generic). Products sold online as 12 mg (for example Iverin or Ivermax) are foreign-made brands that are not FDA-approved, and their contents can't be verified. A US prescription for a larger dose is filled with multiple 3 mg or 6 mg tablets.
Can I take ivermectin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The label says ivermectin should not be used during pregnancy, because safety in pregnancy has not been established. It passes into breast milk in low amounts, so the label advises treating nursing mothers only when the risk of delaying treatment outweighs the possible risk to the baby. Talk to your prescriber; there are sometimes alternative treatments, such as topical permethrin for scabies.
Sources
- STROMECTOL (ivermectin) tablets — FDA-approved prescribing information — U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) / U.S. FDA
- openFDA Drug Shortages — Stromectol 3 mg tablet, status "To Be Discontinued," discontinuation date 10/31/2026 (posted 9/29/2026) — U.S. FDA
- Clinical Care of Scabies (oral ivermectin dosing) — CDC
- FDA approves head lice lotion (Sklice, ivermectin 0.5%) for over-the-counter use — AAP News (October 2020)
- Ivermectin — COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines — National Institutes of Health
- Effect of Early Treatment with Ivermectin among Patients with Covid-19 (TOGETHER trial) — New England Journal of Medicine (2022)
- Study finds no benefit to taking ivermectin for COVID-19 symptoms (ACTIV-6) — Duke Health
- Ivermectin for COVID-19 in adults in the community (PRINCIPLE trial) — Journal of Infection (2024)
- National Cancer Institute studying ivermectin's "ability to kill cancer cells" — STAT News (February 2026)
- Texas Legislature makes ivermectin available without a prescription (HB 25) — The Texas Tribune (2025)
- In Idaho, ivermectin can be sold over the counter after Gov. Little signs bill (SB 1211) — Idaho Capital Sun (2025)
- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs over-the-counter ivermectin sales bill into law (SB 189) — KARK (2025)
- Louisiana SB 19 (Act 464 of 2025) — pharmacist dispensing of ivermectin under a standing order — Louisiana State Legislature
- Tennessee will make ivermectin available without a prescription (SB 2188) — WPLN Nashville Public Radio
- The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2015 — William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura (avermectin / ivermectin) — Nobel Prize Outreach
- NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) — IVERMECTIN 3 MG TABLET, STROMECTOL 3 MG TABLET — CMS
- National Drug Code Directory — ivermectin oral tablets (approved US manufacturers and strengths) — U.S. FDA (openFDA)